Super Aguri: We will start in Melbourne
29 February 2008
The Super Aguri Formula 1 team has confirmed they will attend the Australian Grand Prix in two weeks time. The Japanese team did not attend a number of test sessions this winter due to financial problems, but the team now confirms it will start with two cars in Melbourne.
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"The cancellation was because some parts hadn't arrived in time," Super Aguri's co-owner Fumio Akita told Reuters. "We are usually scrambling to be ready for the start of the season. It was very tight last year and this year is following the same pattern. But we will be on the grid for Melbourne. We're not worried at all about missing out.
"Talks are still going on and I'm told there are three potential investors. Obviously, we have to think of the future and what's best for the team. It might be 100 percent (of the team being sold). But obviously any sponsors or investors who leave the infrastructure there and back the team to improve results would be ideal. How much any potential stake in the team would be does depend on the conditions the investor has. But even if it's a 100 percent stake you can't sensibly get rid of the team per se."
Akita furthermore said: "If you have no Aguri (Suzuki) you probably lose Honda as engine suppliers. If investors come in and say they can bring in BMW engines that's a different story. But even if we give up 100 percent share it doesn't necessarily mean the owner or the team name goes with it."
